Why didn’t Zahid object to BUDI95 cut earlier, says DAP rep

 Thulsi Manogaran questioned why the prime minister was criticised over the cut, and says Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister should uphold the principle of collective responsibility.

Buntong assemblyman Thulsi Manogaran said it was misleading and irresponsible of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to suggest ‘fear of election’ for the restoration of the petrol quota. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A DAP assemblyman has questioned why deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not object at the time when the government reduced the monthly quota for subsidised RON95 petrol in April before increasing it last month.

Buntong assemblyman Thulsi Manogaran said Zahid, who is Umno president, should explain why he criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about the policy when opening the Umno general assembly today.

As deputy prime minister and a senior member of the government, Zahid should uphold the principle of collective responsibility and raise policy disagreements through the proper channels.

“If he believes that reducing the quota from 300 to 200 litres was wrong, he should have openly voiced his opposition in Cabinet,” she said in a statement.

Thulsi said Zahid’s suggestion that the restoration amounted to a “U-turn” driven by fear of an election was irresponsible and misleading.

She said the quota was temporarily reduced from April 1 following the escalation of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns over global fuel supplies and energy security. The measure was intended to manage subsidised fuel consumption and preserve the government’s ability to respond to potential disruptions in global supply.

“The facts are straightforward and Zahid knows this,” she said. - FMT